A hydraulically operated release mechanism for a friction clutch assembly of motor vehicles, includes a slave cylinder adapted for positioning in a clutch housing and having a pressure housing in concentric surrounding relation to a driveshaft and secured to a gearbox casing. Hydraulic fluid is supplied to a pressure compartment of the slave cylinder via a pressure conduit which is connected in one piece with the pressure housing and bridges a radial distance between the pressure housing and the clutch housing. The pressure conduit has a free end for attachment of an adapter inside the clutch housing in proximity of an opening of the clutch housing, with a fitting insertable through the opening for attachment to the adapter, after assembly of the slave cylinder.